If your brand is still using hashtags like it’s 2017—adding 5+ at the bottom of every post and hoping for viral magic—this one’s for you.

Hashtags can matter… but not the way most businesses think. And using them incorrectly is the fastest way to look a outdated.

Let’s break down what’s changed across LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram—and how to hashtag without aging your brand in internet years… if you’re still wanting to use them.

Why Hashtags Aren’t What They Used to Be

There was a golden era when hashtags worked like little rocket boosters for reach. You added a few trending ones, and boom, discovery.

But between smarter algorithms, personalization, and oversaturation, hashtags are no longer the growth hack they once were.

Today, they function more like:

• Topic labels
• Search keywords
• Categorization tools

They’re seasoning—not strategy. And each platform treats them differently.

2026 Hashtag Best Practices by Platform

LinkedIn (Use Sparingly + Intentionally)

LinkedIn is the most “grown-up” platform, and its hashtag expectations follow suit.

What works:

• ✔️ 1–3 niche hashtags
• ✔️ Industry-specific tags (#NewOrleansDesign, #DigitalMarketingStrategy)
• ✔️ Clean placement at the end of the post

What doesn’t:

• ❌ Lists of 5+ hashtags
• ❌ “#Hashtagging #Every #Word”
• ❌ Generic tags (#marketing #business #design)

LinkedIn (and its audience) wants context, not clutter.

Facebook (Hashtags = Meh, But Can Be Somewhat Useful)

Let’s be honest: Facebook and hashtags have never been soulmates.
Most users don’t click them, search them, or follow them.

BUT—they do help algorithmic categorization just a little, and can boost visibility in Groups and niche communities.

Best practice:

• ✔️ 1–2 simple, readable hashtags
• ✔️ Brand or campaign hashtags (#NOLAMediaAndDesign)
• ✔️ Optional use—it’s not mandatory

Avoid:

• ❌ 5+ hashtags
• ❌ Trend-chasing
• ❌ Hashtag paragraphs no one will ever read
• Facebook rewards clean storytelling more than hashtagging.

Instagram (Hashtags Still Work — But Much Less Than Before)

Instagram used to be the Wild West of hashtags.
Thirty hashtags per post? Normal. Encouraged. Expected.

But in recent years, Instagram shifted toward SEO-style content discovery. Now, your caption, keywords, and post quality matter more than hashtags.

What works NOW:

• ✔️ 3–5 at most highly targeted hashtags
• ✔️ Mix of niche + branded tags (#NewOrleansWebDesign, #NOLAMarketing)
• ✔️ Put them at the bottom, not mid-sentence

What doesn’t:

• ❌ Using all 30
• ❌ Stacking hashtags for aesthetics
• ❌ Ultra-broad tags (#love, #happy, #travel)
• Instagram reads your content, not your hashtag cloud.

General Hashtag Rules (for brands that want to look modern)

1. Relevance beats volume. A few well-chosen hashtags > a messy pile.

2. Niche hashtags outperform generic ones.

You want people who care—not random scrolling traffic.

3. Treat hashtags like keywords, not decorations.

Ask: What would someone search to find this content?

4. Don’t hashtag your whole caption.

Please. You’re better than that.

5. Create 1–2 custom branded hashtags.

Great for campaigns, events, content series, and user-generated posts.

So… Are Hashtags Dead?

Not completely, they’re just not the star of the show anymore. 

Think of hashtags in 2026 as your content’s filing system—not its engine. They help categorize, clarify, and lightly boost visibility… but your words, visuals, and storytelling do the heavy lifting.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be That Brand.

If your posts look like a hashtag smoothie, it might be time to update your strategy.

Today’s audiences want:

• Clean captions
• Real value
• Authenticity
• A little personality
• And minimal digital clutter

Whether you’re posting on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram, smart, selective hashtag use makes your brand look polished, current, and professional.

If you want help creating a modern social media strategy—or giving your branding a fresh 2026 glow-up—your team at NOLA Media & Design is always here to help.

Hashtag responsibly, #pleaseandthankyou! 😉